Laser System Operator

Job Description

We have multiple openings for NIF Laser System Operators supporting the Beam Control System (BCS) and Injection Laser System (ILS) in the NIF Control Room. You will be a vital member of the operations team at the National Ignition Facility (NIF), supporting the world’s most energetic laser system. It is an exciting time to join the team that achieved fusion ignition in December 2022, a historic moment in science, opening new physics regimes and setting the stage for new fusion energy possibilities. As a Control Room Operator, you will work in a multidisciplinary team to develop, deploy and maintain complex laser systems while ensuring the reliable and safe functioning of the beam control and injection laser subsystems, which are essential for the precision and performance of NIF’s experimental campaigns.

A NIF Laser System Operator is responsible for overseeing the real-time operation of laser beam control and injection systems, ensuring precise alignment, timing, and pulse shaping for experiments. The operator monitors system diagnostics, performs automated and manual adjustments, collects and analyzes performance data, and documents any issues or corrective actions. They collaborate with technical staff to prepare and reset systems for each shot, conduct routine maintenance and calibrations, and respond promptly to alarms or faults, escalating complex problems to engineering teams to maintain reliable and accurate system performance.

NIF is a 24/7 operational facility, and operators typically work on a 3/12-4/12 schedule to support operations, with the last two hours of each shift being overtime. The dayshift working hours are from 06:30-19:30 and the owl shift hours are from 18:30-07:30. Dayshifts work either Sunday-Tuesday and every other Wednesday, or Thursday to Saturday and every other Wednesday. Owl shifts work either Sunday to Tuesday and every other Saturday night or Wednesday to Friday and every other Saturday night. 12-hour shifts are not guaranteed and may change in the future.

Operators participate in thorough shift handovers to maintain seamless operations, and this structured schedule ensures both uninterrupted support for NIF’s mission and extended periods off to support work-life balance.

These positions are in the Laser Systems Engineering & Operations (LSEO) Division within the Engineering Directorate.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

You will 

• Work under general supervision to provide technical support in the design, development, and installation of new moderately complex laser/optical systems while working independently and using established guidelines, techniques, and procedures.
• Perform detailed periodic maintenance and diagnostic activities, including operations, repairs, and upgrades of existing systems using a variety of equipment and troubleshooting methods.
• Generate and maintain system documentation including operations procedures and optical configuration drawings.
• Collaborate with and provide technical support to Physics and Engineering staff in performing developmental and experimental setups. 
• Acquire and analyze moderately complex data using computer-based data acquisition and controls.
• Operate sub-systems using a Graphical User Interface (GUI) to align targets, diagnostics, laser beams, and other alignment systems.
• Produce supportive documentation and graphics using computer system drafting, design, engineering, and scientific programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Associate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Laser Electro-Optics, Physics, or related technical discipline, or the equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience with moderately complex electronic assembly and troubleshooting.
• Intermediate skills and knowledge of electro-mechanical technology, including general electronics background and experience in both theory and design while applying the knowledge of electronics, software, instrumentation and controls, or electro-optic theory and ability to solve circuitry or system challenges.
• Experience in safe work and business practices.
• Experience working effectively in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

Qualifications We Desire

• Experience with engineering software tools such as SolidWorks, CREO, LabView or MATLAB.

Pay Range

$43.55 - $53.36 Hourly

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage.  An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Additional Information

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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